This Week's Mission Moment: Helping Students Thrive

A new student entered our class recently at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center Preschool, and at first he wasn’t sure how to fit in. He came to us with a diagnosis of PANS, or pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. His family has been working with a variety of doctors and specialists to diagnose and treat him. This disorder can cause changes in mood and behavior in children that can be hard to manage in a classroom setting.

His family was recommended to our program as it provides a unique setting and experience compared to the traditional preschools which had not met his needs. When you look at a class in action at the SSYMCA Nature Center Preschool, you see adventure, curiosity, respect for the natural world, alongside a busy bunch of students and educators. Located at the South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center in Norwell, our program promotes a connection to the environment while providing children the space and time to build their problem solving abilities, gaining confidence in themselves while immersed in the natural world around them.

Since joining our class in December, our new friend has thrived. Through the efforts of his dedicated teachers working with the family to set him up for success, he has made connections with children and staff. He loves observing the animals on site, especially the turtles in EcoZone, and refers to us as his helpers.

At our last meeting with his parents, they expressed how happy they were with his progress: "Our son is thriving here at the Nature Center Preschool. His teachers and classmates are so patient with him. Every day he is exploring something new, and everyone here makes him feel like he belongs. We couldn't have asked for a better school for him."

It is amazing what we can do when we work as a team to create the best environment for every child to learn and grow.